§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the difference in bids to provide careers provision in Stockport between the consortium including Stockport metropolitan borough council and the bid by Nord Anglia plc; and what factors led to the awarding of the contract to Nord Anglia plc.
§ Mr. PaiceBids were assessed against the criteria published in the careers service prospectus. These included: effective quality assurance arrangements; financial viability and value for money for the taxpayer. In each case the preferred bidder has more closely met the criteria than competing bids. As yet, contracts have not been signed in any area. Negotiations with preferred bidders continue.